The Best Phlebotomy Training Courses and Classes in Oregon

You’re not alone in wanting to find the top phlebotomy training in Oregon. Phlebotomy has become a popular career all over America. As medical technologies have continued to advance, so has the need for such positions. Not only are phlebotomists in high demand all over the U.S., but the job market is extremely competitive.

Programs have started to show up everywhere for training purposes. This has made it easier than ever for those looking for an entry level job or a career in medicine so that they can get their foot in the door.

If you’re looking for phlebotomy training in Oregon, you won’t have to look too far. The state has some of the best training programs in the country, as long as you know where to look. Choosing the right training program is extremely important – and the first step in a long and successful career.

What to Look for Phlebotomy Training in Oregon

When it comes to what to look for in a phlebotomy training program in Oregon, the most important thing you can do is make sure the class is accredited. Usually, community colleges or even specialized schools will make a point to market themselves this way. Accreditation is extremely important in finding a quality and reputable program. If you choose to attend a course that isn’t accredited, many employers won’t even take your training seriously.

You should also consider where your phlebotomy training course will be. All it takes is a high school diploma (or equivalent) to sign up for a training course, but many people choose to do it later in life, when they either have an existing job, a family schedule, etc. So, choosing a program that is near to your location can make it a lot less intimidating and overwhelming. These programs don’t take years to complete, but they do take several weeks. Making sure you’re able to attend every class easily is essential to completing it successfully.

Finally, be sure to choose a phlebotomy course that allows you as much hands-on work as possible. It’s a requirement for most courses, but the programs that allow you several weeks of venipuncture practice are the ones that will likely make you feel the most comfortable when it’s time to start your official career.

What to Expect from Phlebotomy Courses and Classes in Oregon

Phlebotomy training programs are fairly similar all across the country, and the same goes for classes in Oregon. Each course will typically be split into two sections, with a classroom setting, and a more ‘hands-on’ setting.

What You Will Learn in a Phlebotomy Class

The classroom setting will be mostly scientific. Students will cover human anatomy. This includes all the basic functions and systems of the human body, like the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and skeletal systems. Students will also learn scientific data and how blood cells work. You’ll be working with blood on a daily basis, so understanding as much of it as you can is an important part of course completion.

The classroom will also be the place where you learn standard procedures for phlebotomy. This includes everything from lab procedures, safety, how to label blood vials, and different blood drawing techniques. However, those techniques are put into practice in the ‘hands on’ section of the class.

Drawing Blood and Dealing With Patients

Drawing blood, or venipuncture is the biggest component of a phlebotomist’s job. Oregon training courses will allow you to practice venipuncture on other students, volunteers, etc. Each student who takes a phlebotomy course will have to complete a specific number of successful venipunctures before they can graduate. It’s a great opportunity to learn different drawing techniques.

It’s also useful in becoming more comfortable in working with different types of people every day. Interaction with patients is another huge aspect of phlebotomy, so the more comfortable and confident you are, the better. That’s why so many venipunctures are required to complete a course.

Phlebotomy Training Programs in Oregon

Oregon has become a central hub for industrial businesses and of course, the health industry. With some of the best hospitals and practices in the country, there will likely always be a need for quality phlebotomists throughout the state. Because of this need, their phlebotomy training courses are also some of the best. If you’re looking for a great place to get started, check out some of the most popular phlebotomy training courses offered in the state.

Institute of Technology

Located in Salem, OR, the Institute of Technology offers both a Phlebotomy training program, as well as a lab assistant program. They take the hands-on portion of their training very seriously. Not only are students required to perform venipunctures successfully, but they will also have to know how to perform electrocardiograms, as well as different techniques such as ‘butterfly draws’ and different ‘sticking’ techniques.

This institute also offers an additional certification program after the initial training has been completed. It’s important to know that phlebotomy certification is not required within the state of Oregon. However, because phlebotomy has become such a popular career, certification can be a great way to stay ahead of the competition. Plus, it will allow you to be further prepared for a fulfilling career.

Lane Community College

While some phlebotomy courses are completed in a matter of weeks, Lane Community College breaks up the training program into actual semesters; Phlebotomy I and II. Again, certification is not required after graduating from this course. However, students will be required to take the National Phlebotomy Technician TBT exam after they have been working full-time for a year. That exam can be taken at Lane, as well as preparing all students for a long career ahead.

Linn-Benton Community College

Many people first look into phlebotomy as a career because the coursework can often be done in a short period. Linn-Benton Community College offers that type of phlebotomy training program, designed to be completed in just sixteen weeks. They only take on 24 students at a time, because the training is very straightforward, and they need to be able to give every student as much focus as possible.

The nice thing about this type of program is that it truly gives you the best of both worlds. The first several weeks will be classroom-oriented. During the last few weeks, however, students will actually get to act as interns in hospitals, clinics, etc. This is truly the best type of hands-on experience you can get as a phlebotomy student. It puts you directly in the environment you’ll be working in for a long time and allows you to become comfortable there.

Oregon Medical Training, Inc.

This facility holds their phlebotomy training courses in the evening, several times a week. This can be a great solution for people who already have existing jobs, who have families, etc. It is a part-time schedule for full-time coursework. The program offered at Oregon Medical Training will prepare students to work in the field by giving them opportunities for hands-on experience. If you do have a busy schedule, this facility could be the perfect option, as it doesn’t require you to complete an internship to graduate.

Rogue Valley Phlebotomy School

When a school is specifically known for its phlebotomy program, there’s a pretty good chance it’s trustworthy. It offers a training program that includes 11 weeks of classroom work, and 11 weeks of hands-on training. They do require their students to receive an A or B in the class to pass a certification of completion and to be able to take the National Phlebotomy Exam. So, they don’t take their training lightly. However, that will likely only benefit you and your career, in the end.

Advancements and Phlebotomy Careers in Oregon

Again, it is not required to obtain phlebotomy certification in the state of Oregon. Many people choose to get into the phlebotomy field as an entry-level position because it’s a solid job. It takes only a few weeks of inexpensive training, and you could be an extremely qualified phlebotomist. The best part? It’s a job that can turn into a career quickly, no matter what your goals are. Some people complete their training and remain happy and successful phlebotomists for the rest of their lives.

On the other hand, medical professionals, nurses, and even doctors sometimes start out as phlebotomists. It’s one of the best jobs you can have if you have any interest at all in the medical field because there is so much room for growth. Through continued learning, testing, and coursework, you can advance your phlebotomy career fairly quickly in the state of Oregon.

I'm Lou, and welcome to Phlebotomy Examiner! We aim to help you make a more informed career choice by sharing our research and experience with you. You'll find in-depth advice on everything from career options to dealing with work issues.